Western Context

BC gets another credit downgrade, Alberta battles the federal government over municipal control, and Trudeau’s South-East Asia trip cost $2M. Also, the CSIS director testifies that the Trudeau government did know about foreign interference.

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“I guess one way to beat the high cost of groceries in Canada is to take a government work trip and bill taxpayers for fancy airplane food.” – Canadian Taxpayers Federation Federal Director Franco Terrazzano on Trudeau’s lavish diplomatic trips around the world.

Duration: 51:55
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• British Columbia Gets Third Credit Downgrade in Three Years
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• Alberta to introduce legislation preventing municipal-federal deals without province’s OK
• PM’s six-day Indo-Pacific trip cost $2M, including $200K in catering
• CSIS director testifies Trudeau government was warned repeatedly about Chinese foreign interference
• Word of the Week: Downgrade

Trudeau and Singh reach a deal on pharmacare, BC’s budget introduces a flipping tax and lots of spending, and Danielle Smith wants to build up the Heritage fund. Also, the BC NDP wants us to stop using the term British Columbians.

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“The term ‘British Columbians’ is often used to reference people living in B.C. This term excludes Indigenous Peoples who may not identify with it. For many, they identify as members of their own sovereign nations and do not consider themselves part of one that has actively worked to assimilate their people.” – the BC NDP government’s writing guide on Indigenous topics.

Duration: 57:52
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Pharmacare deal to help affordability, bring down inflation
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• B.C. Budget 2024 includes new ‘flipping tax’ on homes
• One last shot’ — Smith vows to build up Heritage Fund, move Alberta off royalty roller-coaster
• BC instructs people to stop saying “British Columbians” because it’s offensive
• Word of the Week: Guide

BC’s 2023 budget returns to deficit spending, while Alberta sticks to surpluses. The media misrepresents a BC company’s controlled substance license, and we uncover more of the Chinese Communist Party’s influence in Canadian politics.

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“One of the things we’ve seen unfortunately over the past years is a rise in anti-Asian racism linked to the pandemic, and concerns being raised around people’s loyalties. I want to make everyone understand fully: Han Dong is an outstanding member of our team, and suggestions that he is somehow not loyal to Canada should not be entertained.” – Justin Trudeau on why anti-Asian racism is the true concern this week.

Duration: 1:02:27
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• B.C. Budget 2023 bets focus on tax credits and rebates will work amid continued housing uncertainty
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• Alberta government projects $2.4-billion surplus for 2023-24 in pre-election budget
• B.C. premier ‘astonished’ firm got Health Canada approval to make and sell cocaine
• Justin Trudeau blames racism for allegation that China helped Liberal MP get elected
• Word of the Week: Influence

Trudeau’s small business subsidy actually went to large corporations, Alberta’s budget forecasts a surplus and investment, while BC’s budget forecasts a deficit and more taxes. Also, Trudeau’s new digital services tax faces backlash from the US.

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“Can we take what we’ve learned from the past two years to make policies that aren’t devastating for small businesses? We need to find a new way forward. We can’t be asked to sacrifice and take on more debt again.” – Hannah Kovacs, a Halifax fitness gym owner, on the possibility of continuing COVID restrictions.

Duration: 55:38
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Parliament’s $100B small business relief program mostly went to large corporations: Report
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• Budget 2022: Moving forward
• B.C. budget’s tax increases affect used vehicle sales, tobacco
• U.S. Urges Canada to Abandon Digital Service Tax
• Word of the Week: Discord

The CBC notes that the new Minister of Environment is not a woman, Rachel Notley blames the UCP for her alcohol purchases, BC’s economic machine starts to slow down, and an effort by the media to smear Andrew Scheer is rebuffed by Conservative members.

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Duration: 50:36
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Will Jonathan Wilkinson’s gender give him an easier time in the environment ministry?
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• Notley accuses Tories of “corruption” in liquor purchase, before revelation it was made under her watch
• B.C. budget surplus projection continues to shrink
• I am staying on to fight the fight’ says Scheer amid more calls for resignation
• Word of the Week: Histrionics

The RCMP’s obstruction of justice case into SNC is blocked by Trudeau, the BC economy is slowing down but spending remains up, and Alberta’s war room on oil misinformation gains enemies. Also, Trudeau no shows the first debate, which matters a great deal.

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Duration: 52:10
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Ottawa blocks RCMP on SNC-Lavalin inquiry
• B.C. NDP ramps up capital spending in latest update
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• Amnesty International ‘deeply concerned’ about Alberta’s fight back strategy against oil foes
• Opponents pounce on Liberal record after Trudeau’s no-show at leaders debate
• Word of the Week: Investigation

The Federal Court of Appeal quashes the Trans Mountain Pipeline, what does this mean for Alberta, BC, and the Canadian economy? BC also projects a surprising surplus due to the housing sector, and we go over the current state of NAFTA negotiations.

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Duration: 57:28
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Trans Mountain defeat threatens Justin Trudeau’s re-election story
• Alberta leaving federal climate plan over Trans Mountain decision
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• B.C. maintains budget surplus, despite ICBC losses and wildfire spending
• Trump announces U.S.-Mexico trade deal to replace NAFTA, and says ‘we will see’ if Canada can join
• Word of the Week: Freebie

The Alberta auditor general’s report is missed by the media, BC’s tax and spend budget is praised while ignoring the economy, and faulty logic argues against political party unity. Meanwhile, Trudeau’s India trip is plagued with numerous problems.

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Duration: 49:16
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• More oversight a general theme of Auditor General report on government
• BC NDP ignores elites and tables budget for those who need help
• Divide and conquer? In Canadian politics, it seems maybe not
• Convicted attempted murderer invited to reception with Trudeau in India
• Word of the Week: conservative